President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko opened VII Christmas International Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament on January 4. According to him, this tournament is an example of how to search for health. "We do a lot for our people to be healthy. And we have a lot to be done to ensure that Belarus is the example for the entire world how to live, how to play and how to win," he said.
Alexander Lukashenko notes that teams of amateur hockey players come in Minsk at this tournament from different countries of the world for seven years in a row. In particular, Belarus has been attended by teams from Austria, Germany, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Finland and Switzerland this year, BelTA informs.
«Traditionally, they have arrived in Belarus not only to support the military spirit of sportsmanship, but also to please all of us, true hockey fans, with their skills as well as to confirm the status of our tournament, called by supporters the unofficial world championship for amateur hockey teams,» Alexander Lukashenko stressed.
According to the president, the tournament represents the continuity of professional and amateur sports, has become a fascinating spectacle and a good school of excellence for young players. «And it brings together people better than any diplomacy, as well as strengthens friendship among people of different nations» the head of state said.
He also noted that Belarus started a sporting year with the Christmas tournament. «We wish a successful start and bright victories to this year,» Alexander Lukashenko said.
